How-To: Write a GOOD Hyperlocal Blog Post

This post is dedicated to those of you with good blogging intentions. You know who you are. You started that community focused blog that everyone told you would be an instant hit, but now the blog is live and you haven’t written much of anything at all.

It’s all good…every blogger (aka “Content Creator”) has glared at the computer monitor trying to recall a post idea only to allow yourself to be distracted by the dog, the kids, the glass of wine. Becoming a content creator is tough (at first), so here are a few tips that may make the process of writing your next community-focused post much easier.

Create a Blog Topic List

First, if you don’t already have a blog topic list now’s the time to start one. This is a list of topics you are passionate about and that your audience can benefit from. And when it comes to writing hyperlocal content your list could include:

In order to write good posts that truly hit home with your audience, you need to clearly pinpoint WHO it is you’re trying to reach (demographic & geographic criteria). If you’re focused on first time buyers and young families…think like them. What info do they ask you for, how do they spend their time, what concerns them, etc. Also, don’t be afraid to narrow the gap…or widen it! If there are 12 agents in your market already writing about your city, consider getting uber-focused on a particular neighborhood(s) or expand your emphasis to a region (i.e. Silicon Valley). But whatever you decide…carve that niche and stay consistent!

Anatomy of a GOOD Post

Alright, you’ve decided on the topic for your post…let’s say it’s an upcoming fundraiser held by the local high school. Here’s what you should include:

MUST HAVE:

1. Post title (include location or topic)
2. Topic details (when is the event, where is it, why should I check it out)
3. Keep it short (200 words, no more than 300)
4. Link to original details (Website, Facebook Page, etc)
5. Include an image with your post (photo of location or topic)

Once you’ve posted your hyperlocal article on your blog…it’s time to get the word out! Do any or all of the following:

1. Post your article as an update on Facebook. Use the link feature to pull in the article image and description. Include commentary to frame your update with a reason for reading your article. Don’t tell us what your post is about, ask us if we’ve heard of the topic or share a related tip that sparks our interest.
2. Tweet your blog post title with a short (& trackable) URL back to your site.
3. If you’re using WordPress (you’re extremely smart) you can add the WordPress app to your Linkedin profile which will aggregate your most recent WP blog posts on your professional profile.
4. Share your post via email newsletter with your sphere list.
5. Create a print version of your article and use it as a targeted farm piece.
6. Turn on your Web cam and talk about this great event or interview someone involved, upload to YouTube (and share elsewhere).

What are you waiting for?

You’ve got ideas, you know what to include in your post, and you’ve got skillz for promoting your hyperlocal content….so, what are you waiting for? There’s no better time to position yourself as the Trusted Advisor, the Super Agent….the AUTHORITY in your local market area!

About Nicole:

As Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Agent Evolution, Nicole Nicolay "@nik_nik" applies her social media and educational expertise to create training programs and marketing tools for real estate professionals and brokerages. Nicole specializes in WordPress Web design for real estate and educates her clients in developing their online marketing hub and lead generation strategies.

Her enthusiastic and knowledgeable presentation style, as well as her ability to develop engaging curriculum, has yielded her top ranking among the industry's best speakers. Nicole has delivered keynotes and training programs to more than 100,000 agents nationwide and speaks regularly at industry leading events including: N.A.R Annual, Triple Play, REtechSouth, BlogWorld & New Media Expo, Real Estate Connect, and is currently emcee of the Agent Reboot Conference Tour produced by Inman News.

Nicole is considered to be an extremely influential voice on the subject of social media for the real estate industry. She's been writing her highly regarded real estate technology blog, MyTechOpinion.com, since 2005. Her willingness to explore and apply new technologies in a practical manner enables her to lead her readers and clients to success with new marketing. Nicole is also well-versed in video, from off-the-cuff dance grams to professionally produced marketing campaigns and educational videos for Cyberhomes, RPR, Prudential Fox & Roach, and RE/MAX Corporate. Furthermore, Nicole authored "Twitter for Real Estate Twits, downloaded by over 50,000 real estate and mortgage professionals.